Grading Permits

As of January 1, 2019, the Grading Permit Application has changed. Permits are issued based on impervious surface:

Permit Fees

Shed Permit – The cost for this permit is $120

Minor Grading Permit – The cost for this permit is $510, and includes:

One plan review

One site inspection

Additional plan reviews or site inspections will be billed to the applicant at the rates on the attached fee schedule.

Grading Permit – The application fee for this permit is $1,500 ($50 for the Application fee, $1,450 for a Professional Services Agreement). This permit requires a Professional Services Account (PSA), from which all reviews and inspections and Application fee will be paid from. The initial balance provided by the applicant for the PSA is $1,500. Should the balance of this PSA be reduced to $500 from payments for review and inspection, the applicant is required to provide additional funds to keep the balance at $1,500. All unused funds will be returned to the applicant upon completion of the project, in accordance with Township requirements.

Stormwater Management Permit - The application fee for this permit is $3,050. ($50 for the Application fee, $3,000 for a Professional Services Agreement). This permit requires a Professional Services Account (PSA), from which all reviews and inspections and application fee will be paid from. The initial balance provided by the applicant for the PSA is $3,050. Should the balance of this PSA be reduced to $1,000 from payments for review and inspection, the applicant is required to provide additional funds to keep the balance at $3,000. All unused funds will be returned to the applicant upon completion of the project, in accordance with Township requirements.

A Grading Permit is required for any work that involves adding impervious coverage to a property or changing the foot print of a building. This includes new construction, additions, driveways, decks, walkways, sheds, etc. A grading permit is also required for any grading done to a property. If you are unsure if your project requires a grading permit you can contact the Engineering Department at 610-688-5600.

Application Requirements

Application for a grading permit requires:

Completed application form and 5 copies of a site plan. The plan must include the existing and new impervious coverage.

Any new or replacement impervious over 500 square feet and under 1,499 square feet requires a groundwater recharge bed to be included on the site plan.

Any new or replacement impervious over 1,500 square feet requires an Engineered stormwater management plan to be submitted with the application and plans.

The fees for Grading Permits are usually calculated by staff and are covered in the Consolidated Fee Schedule. It is recommended to contact the Engineering Department to verify the amount required for submission.